Did these a long time ago. PROPHECIES OF ZION IN THE WILDERNESS, IN ISAIAH 1 THE WILDERNESS IN ISAIAH. In order to consider the wilderness as found in Isaiah, we must first understand why that term is used, and the importance of the experience. Rev. 12:6 It is the Bride of Christ who is delivered to a place of protection. Whether it be a wilderness or a desert or just a solitary place to which she is taken, Isaiah will give us a full picture of that locale. She fled, not in fear, but to escape or vanish from sight. She is brought to a place prepared by the Lord. Can there, even remotely, be any lack or discomforting circumstances there? The time element of her sojourn is listed as a thousand two hundred and threescore days. The Amplified Version lists the other two measurement of time found in the book of Revelation here. That is forty-two months and three and one-half years. They are all one and the same period of time and the only measurement of the tribulation given in the book of Revelation. THE METHOD OF HER DELIVERANCE. Rev. 12:14. Her mode of transportation is by the wings of a great eagle. Mt. 24:28 The gathering of eagles is to the carcass. The body and blood of the Lord Jesus is the source of unity in His church. Deut. 32:10-12 Jacob, who is a type of the Holy Spirit, was found of the Lord in a waste howling wilderness where, as an eagle bears the young on her wings, the Lord led him. They say history repeats itself. The similarity of what the Lord will accomplish in His church is obvious. Ex. 19:4 The first exodus was likened unto a deliverance by eagles wings. Their supplies were more than ample and miraculous in the wilderness. Isa. 40:31 Those Who wait or hope in the Lord find that renewal of the Spirit until they will soar like the eagle and manifest great strength. THE COMFORT OF THE LORD. Isa. 51:3 The Zion of the Lord will find comfort, while all around her the tribulation will rage. The wilderness will become another Eden or garden of the Lord. The fellowship between God and man (that was lost in the garden of God by Adam and Eve) will be restored in the wilderness. The last Adam and His Eve will complete the cycle by their return to Eden. This is the only place that joy and gladness may be found during the great tribulation. The rest of the inhabitants of the earth will be bathed in suffering, sorrow and the judgments of God as seen in the book of Revelation. The giving of thanks, rejoicing and singing, will prevail in the wilderness, the condition of which is not what the word would imply. It will be heaven on earth. 2 Thess. 2:7 The Holy Spirit, the eagle winged power, will go with the Bride and Bridegroom into the wilderness. That will remove all restraint against all manner of ungodliness. The world will become like a hell as satanic powers are loosed. May the Lord have mercy on those who do not measure up to the standards of the Bride. PROPHECIES OF ZION IN THE WILDERNESS, IN ISAIAH. 2 THE WILDERNESS BEAUTIFIED. Isa. 35:1 The desert and parched land to rejoice and be glad, for it has been chosen to be the refuge of the Bride. It will flourish and bring forth the rose. The presence of the Bridegroom will beautify the wilderness. 35:2 Remember it is to be like Eden. The garden of the Lord in a most unlikely place, bursting forth in all manner of flowers and trees of every description. A place of great splendor. No sadness nor sorrow; instead joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon to be manifest there. Lebanon means white - because of the beautiful snow capped mountains found there, thus purity. Righteousness and holiness will be the manner of life for the inhabitants of the wilderness. Song 4:12 The Bride is described as a spring locked up or enclosed, set apart for the exclusive fellowship of the Bridegroom. v.15 The Bride is described as a fountain of gardens [plural] - waters sufficient for many gardens. A well of living water, dispensing the water of life. Streams - again [plural] of cool, clear water flowing down from the snow fields of Lebanon. John 7:38 NIV Streams of living water shall flow from within. The flow, the presence of the Holy Spirit, in absolute completeness. The excellency, the magnificence, the splendor of Carmel, meaning a fruitful field, or plentiful. The sufficiency or the Lord will never be more manifest than when He takes her into the place that He has prepared for her. Carmel, meaning a planted field, orchard, garden, vineyard or park. Micah 7:14 Feed your people, or shepherdize. The rod, the WORD. Vital food for us now and the main staple of the Bride in the wilderness. Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word proceeding from the mouth of God. Please note that they are dwelling in a solitary place, or a forested place. Sharon, a plain, or to be straight, right, pleasant or prosperous. A place reserved for those who are justified or made right in the sight of the Lord. A people who are truly prosperous with all spiritual and heavenly gifts. Material things will be meaningless in the mighty presence of the Lord displayed in the wilderness. A place of flocks, tranquil and peaceful. The valley of Achor, trouble. Josh. 7:21-26 Achan, troublesome, because of his disobedience, brought judgment on Israel and consequently was judged himself. Hosea 2:14-16 Now Achor, the great tribulation period, will become a place to which the Lord will ALLURE {I like the terminology} her into the wilderness. Where He will speak comforting words to her. This is her door of hope. She will sing songs of triumph, worship, praise and adoration to Him as her heart swells with the bounty of His love. What a wilderness! He is now Ishi, Husband and no longer Baali, lord, my master. A new, more intimate relationship. PROPHECIES OF ZION IN THE WILDERNESS, IN ISAIAH. 3 THEY SHALL SEE THE GLORY OF THE LORD. Isa. 35:2 A visible manifestation of the glorious presence of the Almighty God, in the wilderness. With modern day technology, there is no place to hide on this globe. Rev.12:1 Clothed as the Bride is clothed, with the glory and brilliant shining of the sun, she would be highly visible anywhere on earth. Ex. 14:20 We have an example of the ability of the Lord to protect His own. Both parties were well aware of the location of the other assemblage but there was a barrier, that is, the pillar of light or the glory of God. The Israelites basked in the glorious light of very God Himself. The same light was darkness and a cloud to the Egyptians. Isa. 4:4-5 After a purifying sanctifying experience, the church in the wilderness will be protected by the glory of God. That glorious light becomes a sure defense for them. Isa. 54:17 NO weapon created by man will be able to penetrate the covering of glory that is over and around the Bride in the wilderness. She is a being of light. She is filled within WITH the light of the Lord; she glows with the light of God. What a beautiful creature she is, under any circumstances. The wilderness experience only adds to her beauty. NO FEEBLE AMONG THEM. Ps. 105:37 Among that vast group of Israelites there were none, not one, that was weak or emaciated. They were all strengthened by the Lord, even the aged were strong. Ps. 107:20 The visitation of the WORD brought a great healing to all. Instantaneously every Israelite was made completely whole. That was a massive healing service. It will be repeated in the church in the end of the age. Isa. 35:3-6 The insecure, the staggering ones, suddenly finding strength and the capability to walk in victory; the fearful, encouraged to be strong. After all, the battle is the Lord's. Our source of strength is the Lord and His WORD. He will come with vengeance. He will save from all danger. He will deliver from the judgments that will be on the earth at that time. The blind to find sight. The deaf the ability to hear, physically and spiritually. If blindness and deafness are overcome prior to the taking out of the Bride, they will, no doubt be a part of that number. However, the eyes and ears of all, saved and unsaved will come to understanding when this glorious event takes place. They will acknowledge that the WORD is indeed true. The lame and those with speech afflictions will likewise participate in the massive healing as the Bride comes to her completion and perfection. That Bride is a perfect church in every standard of spiritual measurement; she will have attained to the fullness of the measure of her Bridegroom. She is the completion of the vision and goal that the Lord has established for His church, His Bride. There is not a goal that He has determined for Himself that He will not completely accomplish. PROPHECIES OF ZION IN THE WILDERNESS, IN ISAIAH 4 AN ABUNDANT SUPPLY OF WATER IN THE DESERT. Isa. 35:6 As the Lord supplied Israel with an abundance of water from the rock, in the wilderness, so the Bride will be in great abundance of water. 1 Cor. 10:4 That rock was Christ. It was a spiritual rock, and they drank spiritual waters. If that was so then, how much more will there be a great supply of spiritual waters in the wilderness for the church. John 7:37-39 What a beautiful day in which to make such a pronouncement. The last day of the feast of Tabernacles. The one feast as yet unfulfilled in the church. When Tabernacles comes to the church, it will result in a people precisely like Himself in all aspects. They will indeed be the Temple of the Holy Ghost. The Godhead dwelling within them and bringing them to perfection. Each individual in the wilderness will have these abundant waters flowing from within. THE VASTNESS OF THAT SUPPLY IS ASTONISHING. Isa.41:18 Rivers, not just a river (which in itself would be a miracle), but rivers, plural, to flow from the barren mountain tops. Where there is nothing, the Lord creates a great supply. Springs (again plural), or fountains, {figuratively, a source of satisfaction}, how interesting. Jesus satisfies. The valleys to flow with water from these springs. Beyond that, the desert to supply pools of standing water. A second mention of the springs in the desert. This is indeed the place of the double or full portion. Where there is water, there is life. The wilderness is to be as the garden of Eden. v.19 The planting of the Lord. Eight trees, the number of resurrection. The church will not yet have their resurrected bodies, but for all practical purposes they have achieved a supernatural status. The cedar, known for tenacious roots, to be firm. The Christian, steadfast, rooted and grounded in the Word. Used by Solomon in building the Temple in Jerusalem. The acacia, known for its scourging thorns. The crown of Christ given him by those who crucified Him. The church in the last days, prior to the wilderness experience will know persecution. It has already started in many areas of the world. The myrtle tree. Neh. 8:15 One of the trees used to build booths for the Feast of Tabernacles in the days of Nehemiah. Zech. 1:11 The presence of the angel of the Lord {a theophany of the Lord Jesus, he is the angel of the Lord}. Obviously a tree signifying the glorious presence of the Lord. The oil tree. The olive tree. The anointing of the Holy Ghost. Figuratively it means richness. To be fruitful. We would certainly expect this tree to be present with all of its blessings. The Spirit will flow through the Bride in absolute fulness. The fir tree. A lance or a musical instrument, apparently made of the fir tree. 1 Kings 6:5 Israel, led by David, played instruments made of fir as they brought the Ark back. Solomon used it extensively in building the Temple. From warfare to worship it was of vital importance to them. The Word is a sword. The Word creates worship. The pine tree. An enduring, abiding tree. A hardwood. Representative of the Lord who is everlasting. Isa. 60:13 The only other reference to the pine tree. It was to beautify the sanctuary of the Lord. He would use it to beautify the place of His feet. The box tree. Said to be a species of cedar. Tall and erect, up standing. An aromatic tree. As the pine tree, it is only mentioned in these two scriptures in Isaiah. It too was to used to beautify the sanctuary of the Lord on earth. Most certainly these two trees represent the Christian life as it glorifies the Lord. THE CREATION OF THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL. Isa. 41:20. Acts 2:27 The Holy One, the Lord Jesus. The man of favor and grace. He did not see nor suffer the corruption of the human body, in death. Isa. 12:6 His presence is great in Zion causing the people to shout aloud and to sing unto Him. His presence is assured when Zion is taken into the wilderness. Isa. 54:5 He is acknowledged as redeemer, and is known by His name, the Lord of hosts. Also as Maker or creator, and as husband to the church. Isa. 43:19 The Lord to accomplish a new thing. Isa. 43:7 To have recognized His name, and to have acknowledged the same, is the beginning of the new creation of the Lord, formed and made ready to receive His glory. Eph. 4:24 The new creation is that which is called the new man, made to be in the likeness of God, Himself. Obtaining from Him, His righteousness and true holiness. Col 3:10 The new creation will possess knowledge of who and what God is. He will also bear the image or likeness of that same God who has created him. Isa. 65:17-18 The promise of a creation of a new heavens and a new earth and a new Jerusalem. The City of the Lord. The Bride of Christ. That which is eternal. Jer.31:22 In the midst of apostasy, the Lord will bring forth the ultimate of His creation. The Lord delights in manifesting His capabilities in the face of impossible circumstances. The man whom the woman compasses is the beginning of a new race who will occupy the new heavens and the new earth. With the Lord there is nothing impossible. Rev. 12:2 The woman, the Bride, a married woman had conceived and was now giving birth to a son. v.5 At the time of his birth he immediately caught to be in the presence of God and to be accepted to be exalted to that shared throne. Occupied by the Triunity that is God. By the son and by the bride and now the manchild. Any group today claiming to be the manchild are false prophets. The manchild is yet to come. PROPHECIES OF ZION IN THE WILDERNESS, IN ISAIAH. 5 A HIGHWAY IN THE WILDERNESS. Isa. 35:8 The Lord prepares a way, even in the wilderness. Those who go this way are very obviously a select people. 1 Thes. 4:7 They are the called of the Lord who have responded to the high and holy calling of the Spirit. They have chosen to walk in - and live - a life of holiness, His holiness manifest in them. Heb.12:14 Holiness is a divine requisite for every member of the body of Christ. Just think of it; without holiness, no man shall see the Lord. Strong words indeed. Eph. 2:10 The Lord created everything in the beginning, and saw that is was good. Now, He is building a temple, a body, a Bride. He is moulding it, shaping it according to His blueprint. If ever there is a work that He will accomplish in perfection, it will be the NEW CREATION. We are created to bear His likeness, his image and to show forth the power of that new creature. NOT A WAY FOR THE UNCLEAN. They will be excluded from that highway of holiness. Isa. 52:1 Once the Bride is clothed with the wedding gown, the uncircumcised and unclean are excluded from becoming a part of that perfect church. Also, even if they are accounted to be Christians, they will not be taken into the wilderness, if they miss being in the Bride. Rev. 12:17 They will have to face the trials and persecutions of the Great Tribulation period. Rev. 7:14 They are tribulation martyrs, having given their lives for the sake of the Gospel. Mt. 25. They are the unwise virgin class. Even though all ten were virgins, pure and clean, what counted was their lamps burning with oil. Oil, the anointing of the Holy Ghost is vital to the preparation of those desiring to be in the Bride. v.12 What a sad refusal. "I know you not"; it was not that they were unrecognized, but they were excluded from the privacy of the bridal chamber. Isa. 52:11 Depart, {repeated for emphasis}. Come out, leave the impurities of this world and its sin. Be clean ministering saints that bear the vessels of the Lord. v.12 The Bride will not go out into the wilderness with haste, or flee in disarray. Taking her on eagle winged power is a very well thought out plan of the Lord and will be a very deliberate action. It is not an act motivated by fear but rather an act of faith. The Lord will lead her and will also gather her up. {rereward, acaph, to gather, to receive, modern English, rearward} In other words He is before her and behind her, literally surrounding her as she is taken to that highway of holiness. THE WAYFARING MEN. Isa. 35:8 Those traveling that road will not go astray, regardless of their past foolishness in the ways of the world. They are now walking the way of the new life in Christ Jesus. v.9 No beast like natures to be found there, no road rage. v.10 It is a way only for the righteous, the redeemed. They will come with rejoicing, with songs of joy and gladness. The past is gone and forgotten forever. PROPHECIES OF ZION IN THE WILDERNESS, IN ISAIAH. 6 ONLY THE REDEEMED WALK ON THIS HIGHWAY. Isa. 35:9 The way of the redeemed of the Lord. No roaring lion, no Satan nor his spirits to be found there. Joel 3:17 The Lord will dwell in this Zion, for it is the holy mountain of the Lord. No strangers or unrighteous to be found here. This is the apex, the ultimate of purity. The sinner would contaminate it. Besides that, they wouldn’t be comfortable in the power and presence of the Lord such as will be manifest at this time in Zion. We shall see that the same condition will prevail for the duration of the Millennium. No sinners in that period of time. That is why the Word says that TODAY is the day of salvation. THE PLACE OF REFUGE. Isa. 26:20 A special invitation to the people of the Lord, the Bride. It is time to enter in to that place of refuge where she will abide in the glorious presence of the Lord. There is a moment in the calendar of the Lord where the door is closed, both, to be a member of the Bride and also for salvation. The Bride is to be in the secret place during the entire length of the great tribulation period. Ps. 91:1 Dwelling in the secret place, there is something so comforting and warm about the prospect of that hidden dwelling. Wonderful assurance of His presence in fullness and power, under the shadow of the Almighty. The Bride will be in the shadow of her Lord. No enemy can penetrate that secure covering that is granted her. SHE WENT OUT WITH EAGLE WING POWER. Ps. 17:8 Now that same Holy Ghost power has become her hiding place. Shielded and protected from all the mighty judgments of the Lord that are in the earth during that period. Song. 2:3 The Bride will find herself a place of rest and security in His shadow. She will find great delight, the desire of her whole being, soul and spirit as she finds comfort in His presence. His fruit, the fullness of the fruit of the Spirit will be most delicious and tasty for her. Ps. 36:7 Excellent, unfailing love found in the shadow of the Lord. Here is our refuge, our hiding place. v.8 Abundantly, fully satisfied, with feasting on the abundance of the house of the Lord. From Genesis to Revelation the river of the Lord is flowing, the river of eternal life. She will drink of the wonderful and glorious pleasures of the Lord. Pleasures to which none of the fleeting pleasures of this world may be compared. v.9 She has found the very fountain head of life. She has the ability to drink from the fountain of life as often as she pleases. In the light of God, in the light of the WORD, true light is seen. That is, the Lord who is light. All light, spiritual and natural, proceeds from Him. Without Him there is no light, nothing but darkness. One cannot even begin to imagine the glories and beauties of the wilderness. It will a little corner of heaven on earth. A beautiful sanctuary while the judgments of God reign in the earth. If I am dreaming, let me dream on. I thrill at the prospects. PROPHECIES OF ZION IN THE WILDERNESS, IN ISAIAH 7 A SPECIAL INVITATION TO A SPECIAL PEOPLE. Isa. 26:20 They are identified as being HIS PEOPLE. Anything that is His is going to be extraordinary. Isa. 51:4 His people are His nation. They are easily identified as being those who are able to hear His voice, and to know His will for them. They have come to the light of God and found the justice of the Lord as their reward. 1 Pet. 2:10 Peter classified them as those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as the son of God. At one time they were aliens from the grace of God, but now have obtained mercy and accounted as the chosen of the Lord. THE CHAMBERS OF THE LORD, or the secret places. Pr. 24:4 By knowledge, certainly the knowledge of the Lord. The chamber is FILLED, jam packed and overflowing, with things of great value, rare art treasures of beauty. No good thing will He withhold from the righteous. The storehouse of the Lord is filled with good, desirable and precious things, prepared for His people. Song 1:4 Take me away with you [NIV]. If there can be natural attraction how much greater is that appeal when it is between two people who are filled with the love of God? Our hearts long after you Lord. Draw us, take us into the secret places of the Most High. The one who appeals to the church is the King, the Lord Jesus. Unashamedly the church will run, haste after Him. Like the hart panting after the water brooks so is our desire for His constant presence. Gladness and rejoicing in that day will make what we have today to seem as nothing. Our delight is in the Lord and will come to the fullness of love in that day. Your love Lord, is far better than wine, better than any experience hitherto. This is perfect love between two who are walking in perfect, absolute unity and purpose. Two righteous individuals exemplifying absolute holiness. HIDE THYSELF. Rev. 12:12-13. Satan cast out of heaven comes to the earth filled with fury, mega wrath. That anger is loosed against the woman, the bride. The birth of her son will be the cause of a great war in heaven, at the conclusion of that war the old devil is cast out and down to the earth. At this time she will hide in the secret place of the Most High. Hide of a little moment, or for the three and on half years of the tribulation. Ps. 27:5 He shall hide me. In His pavilion, in His Tabernacle. Established upon the rock, Christ Jesus. Ps. 31:20 Hidden in the secret of His presence. There is a secret place, it is in the Lord Jesus. Hidden in Christ. Hidden from the pride of man. Pride will reach its climax at this time. The ungodly trinity, Satan, the antichrist and the false prophet will have complete control over the world during the TRIBULATION period. What a ghastly time that will be. She will be hidden from all slander and false accusations. A glorious time for those in the secret place. A hideous time for those left behind. Make your calling and election sure. PROPHECIES OF ZION IN THE WILDERNESS, IN ISAIAH 8 AT THAT TIME. Isa.28:5 The beauty and majesty of the Lord will be seen upon and in His Bride. She is the ultimate of the plan of salvation. The Lord will glorify her with a crown of glory. Rev. 12:1 She wears a crown of twelve stars, or twelve suns, How brilliant is that glory? It staggers the imagination to try to visualize what a blaze of light will be upon her head. The number twelve is the number of government. A perfect leadership will be hers as she is led by a body of twelve men with the ministry of that of the Apostle. Ex. 29:6 The High Priest wore a crown of gold that was called the holy crown. We are made to be kings and priests unto God. Her crown is the crown of holiness unto the Lord. Ex.39:38 Attached to the crown of the High Priest was a special plate with an inscription like a seal, like a signature-ring, reading, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD. Spiritually she will fulfill all the divine requirements of full consecration and dedication. She will be as holy as the Lord Himself. THE LORD DISQUIETED? Isa. 62:1 While I would rather reserve this portion of Isaiah for a future study of revival in Isaiah, there is a sense in which it is a part of our subject. The last day revival will prepare the church to be the Bride of Christ. The product of the revival is what we see in the wilderness. The word peace, as it is found in the first verse, can be interpreted to be 'silent'. The Lord is constantly calling His people to a closer walk with Himself. He will not rest or be appeased until His purposes have been accomplished in His church. We may think that we are eager to see the grand plan of the Lord executed in His Church, but our anxious desires are far outweighed by the desire of the Lord Jesus to take unto Himself His church, His Bride, her perfecting, and the revelation of His righteousness in her. He longs for that time when the glory of the Lord will become a reality in her. Then His righteousness imparted to her will be as a great light, shining forth with the brilliancy of His glory, and her salvation as a great burning torch. v. 2 The manifestation of the glory of the Lord in His church is the most attractive thing in the world. Where programs, organization, and the vain efforts of men fail, the Lord will show forth His glory, and men are attracted to His light. The gentiles, of all nations, are attracted to the Lord when His glory is resident in His people. A simultaneous out pouring of the Holy Ghost in might and power will take place in this generation. There are tremendous judgments facing our world of today, but I have observed in the WORD that the Lord will first visit in mercy before He makes known His wrath. His seed, the Word, has been sown around the world. We are on the brink of an outstanding move of God that will complete His desires in His church. His glory, His light will shine in His people as never before. This is a great day to be alive. PROPHECIES OF ZION IN THE WILDERNESS, IN ISAIAH 9 A CROWN OF GLORY. Isa. 62:3 What a wonderful place to be, IN THE HAND OF THE LORD. The hand that is molding His church, conforming her to be in His likeness and being. The hand that will supply all her needs as He makes manifest His mighty love to her. He will surround her with His glorious presence until she will become like a glowing, glistering crown. She is glorious, she is beautiful, she is like a priceless ornament in His hand. She is filled with all the fullness of very God Himself. She is the church of the Lord, the body of Christ, the Tabernacle in the wilderness, the Temple of the living God. No wonder He will glorify her beyond measure. She is His Queen, His Bride. Because He loves her He will glorify her beyond measure. Ex. 28:38 If the clothing of the High Priest, under the law, was for beauty and for glory, how much more a people who have put on Christ shall bear the glory and beauty of the Lord. Theirs was a man made clothing. The bride will be clothed with heavenly garb. A clothing made in eternity, by an eternal God, for a nation whom He has made to be eternal. A ROYAL DIADEM. 1 Pet. 2:9 This is that CHOSEN GENERATION, that is destined not only to become a kingdom of priests but of kings also. A people of Royal bearing who will minister before the Kings of Kings forever. Each and every word that the Lord has used to express His love and concern for His church shows how precious she is in His sight. She is the apple of His eye. Job 29:14 Clothed with the righteousness of the Lord. Is there any other? Judgment or justice is that robe and diadem. His bride will be righteousness exemplified and the essence of justice made manifest to the world. A NAME CHANGE TO BE MADE. Isa. 62:4 The message of a perfect church can isolate and cause one to feel forsaken, particularly in a Laodiciean church age. The message is founded on the Word of the Lord and regardless of all attacks against it will remain secure. Desolate, times of spiritual dearth. A time of testing and trials of lesser and greater degree. We all experience them but the Lord does not forsake us in the valleys. We are more than conquerors in Christ. Hephzibah, my delight is in her. Could she only understand how entirely He loves her. She is the joy and delight of His heart. Every act of commitment and obedience to His Word is an expression of joy and gladness to Him. Beulah, married. She is totally His. Committed with her whole being, body, soul and spirit, to His will and way of life. And what a joyous life it is. Christ will rejoice over her. Zeph. 3:17 A song of love sung by the Lord to His bride. He will express His strong feelings to her and for her. There has never been a song like this one. The singer is heavenly, the tune is heavenly, the words are heavenly. All our songs will fade into insignificance at the majesty and beauty of this one. Lord haste the day! PROPHECIES OF ZION IN THE WILDERNESS, IN ISAIAH 10 TRIBULATION CONDITIONS. Isa. 32:6-14 It is not difficult to apply these verses to the great tribulation. When the prophets speaks of a vile, hypocritical, evil person it is portraying the condition of the hearts of men at that time. In particular, their leader, the antichrist. Chaos and destruction will be the order of the day. UNTIL THE SPIRIT BE POURED OUT FROM ON HIGH. Isa. 32:15 Prior to the tribulation, there will be that final outpouring of the Spirit, a move of God such has never been. Multitudes will be swept in to the kingdom of God. This is the visitation of mercy, prior to the tribulation period. It is also to prepare the Bride for the Bridegroom. How desperately we need a great sweep of the Spirit in the church world. A move that will open the mysteries of the Word to the entire body of Christ. Too many Christians are satisfied to have just a 'get by' experience; in the kingdom, but only conveniently involved. THE WILDERNESS TO BE A FRUITFUL FIELD. How many times we have seen this mighty work of the Lord. A place prepared for His very own. The garden of the Lord. Certainly every exotic plant and plants of rear beauty be found there. A garden even more wonderful than Eden. There will be no sin found in this garden, only people of perfection. v.16 This is the dwelling place of justice. The Just One and the justified will be found there, and none others. The Righteous One and those who have been made altogether righteous make their abode there. v.17 The operation of righteousness always brings about peace. Our hearts are at peace today, because of His righteousness having been revealed in us. How much more in that day when the church is protected and sheltered by her Lord. The effect of righteousness, quietness, rest, untroubled by the storm and tribulation whirling around and about her. She has absolute confidence, assurance and hope in the one who has brought her to this place of safety. v.18 His people, the people who were not a people, but have now become the choice on of her Lord, will have a peaceful dwelling place. A place of absolute security and protection. They have entered into His rest; while the millennial day will not as yet have dawned, the circumstance of the wildness will be equal to it. Perfect absolute tranquillity. v.19 When it shall hail, one cannot but think of the hail storms predicted for this period of time. Rev. 8:7 A threefold judgment, blood, fire and hail leading to the destruction of one-third of all plant life. Rev. 16:21 The great hail of ice stones weighing up to one hundred twenty-five pounds. In all this the Bride remains untouched by these horrific judgments that are poured out upon the kingdom of the antichrist and those who follow him. PROPHECIES OF ZION IN THE WILDERNESS, IN ISAIAH. 11 WATERS IN THE WILDERNESS. Isa. 43:20 One thing is definite; there will be an abundance of waters in the wilderness. This is stated time and time again in the prophecy of Isaiah. We do no violence to the Word if we spiritualize these waters and recognize the mighty presence of the Spirit of the Lord with His people. The Spirit without measure will be upon His people. JUST WHO ARE HIS PEOPLE? The Lord speaks of His people as those, who in particular, for whom He prepared this great abundance of waters. Many of the prophetic utterances of Isaiah are directed toward Israel and Judah, and are a rebuke for their backsliding, obstinate ways, for the hardness of their hearts and the stubbornness against the Lord. The message of their rejection is also to be found there. Salvation, for them, is no longer a national issue, but is now an individual matter, as it is with all of us. However, there is a race of people who emerge from the prophecies of Isaiah as the real people of the Lord. For instance:- A people who had walked in great darkness but have seen the light and proceeded to walk in that light. The people of God are no longer composed of one race but now all who are saved, from every tribe and nation, are members of that race of grace. Isa. 9:2 Simeon, who had been waiting for the birth of the Savior, proclaimed Jesus to be a light to the Gentiles, All who would come to that light are included in the race known as the people of God. Lk. 2:32 The root out of Jesse, the Lord Jesus, as a banner held forth to all nations. To the Gentile, to Israel, to the whosoever will. An invitation to enter into the rest of the Lord Jesus. To be rid of the burden of sin and iniquity, to be Gods free man. Isa. 11:10 The one who was to come and rule over the nations, the Gentile find hope in Him. Rom. 15:12 The people who were not a people, without pedigree, without status, really nonexistence as a nation. But now are acknowledged as the people of the most High. A people to whom mercy and grace gad not even been extended are now the recipients of the abundant grace of the Lord. 1 Pet. 2:10 In the body of Christ these things have become nonexistent, that is, Jew or Gentile, bond or free, male of female but now all have become one in the Lord Jesus Christ. Eph. 2:14-15 Both, liberally all, have become one in Christ Jesus. The wall of separation has been torn down. The law of commandments and ordinances has been take out of the way. Now, the Lord, is bringing into being, a new man, a new creature. Those born of His Spirit, washed and redeemed by His blood. The new creature, the new family is what counts today. None are excluded, all may come and be a part of the great family of God. To every tongue, tribe and nation the invitation is given. These are the people of God. complete 10:22 1/06/2005 formatting edited eof